Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies: Irresistibly Chewy Treats
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of biting into a warm Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookie—soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet cherry goodness! These cookies are a delightful combination of flavors: rich almond, juicy cherries, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them impossible to resist. I created this recipe during one of those hectic weeks when my family craved something special yet easy to whip up, and with just 120 calories each, they’re the perfect little treat to satisfy our sweet tooth without the guilt.
I’ll never forget the first time I made these cookies; it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and my kids were home, restless and looking for something fun. As the aroma of almond wafted through the house, my youngest exclaimed, “It smells like a bakery in here!” The sweet cherries add a unique twist that sets these cookies apart from your typical sugar cookie. After they baked and cooled, my teenagers couldn’t resist asking for seconds, practically devouring them in minutes. It was one of those moments that reminded me how simple ingredients can create cherished memories.
Ingredients for the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for these soft cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Contributes rich flavor and a tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a chewy consistency.
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses a delightful nutty aroma that complements the cherries.
- 1 cup cherries (pitted and chopped): Offers bursts of sweetness and tartness for a refreshing twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) since it takes a bit of time to reach the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the dough.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful soft and chewy texture.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. I like to use a whisk for this because it helps aerate the flour, making for lighter cookies. Be sure there are no lumps, as this will help your cookies rise beautifully when they bake.
Step 3: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Don’t rush this step; it builds serious flavor and texture in your cookies. Once it’s fluffy, you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract until fully incorporated. I find that adding the eggs gradually helps maintain that airy texture you’ve worked hard to create. The almond extract is what gives these cookies their signature flavor—so be generous but not excessive!
Step 5: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix here as it can lead to tougher cookies. I usually add about a third of the dry ingredients at a time, mixing gently after each addition until no flour streaks remain but still keeping an eye on that soft dough texture.
Step 6: Fold in the chopped cherries carefully so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking them down too much. I love using fresh cherries for their sweet burst of flavor; just make sure they’re pitted and chopped into manageable pieces for even bites in every cookie!
Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. A cookie scoop works great for this if you have one; it keeps everything uniform, which helps with even cooking.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them around that 10-minute mark because ovens can vary quite a bit; you want just enough color around the edges without over-baking them into crispiness!
Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period helps them set up nicely while retaining that chewy interior—don’t skip it!
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
This dish is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Fresh Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A light spinach salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, walnuts, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the cookies while adding a fresh crunch. The omega-3 fatty acids from the walnuts provide healthy fats, making this salad not just refreshing but also nutritious. My kids love this salad as it balances the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a perfect afternoon snack.
Coconut Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa cooked in coconut milk brings a creamy texture and tropical flavor that echoes the almond extract in the cookies. This dish packs about 8 grams of protein per serving, helping to fuel your post-workout recovery or keep you full during busy afternoons. I often prepare a big batch on Sundays; it’s versatile enough to pair with snacks or even breakfast throughout the week.
Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes roasted with chili powder and lime juice offer a sweet-spicy contrast that pairs beautifully with the cherry almond flavor of the cookies. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, providing an antioxidant boost alongside fiber for digestive health. This is a go-to side for my family during potluck dinners; they disappear faster than I can make them!
Creamy Avocado Dip: Made by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, this dip adds healthy fats and a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the chewy cookies. Each serving provides around 2 grams of protein and plenty of potassium, which is great for muscle recovery. I like to serve this alongside cut veggies or whole-grain crackers for an easy snack that satisfies cravings while keeping our macros in check.
Storage & Serving Tips
To store your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies effectively for meal prep, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. If you have leftover chopped cherries, it’s best to store them separately in a small container to maintain their freshness and prevent the cookies from becoming soggy. The dry ingredients, including the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, should be stored in a cool, dry place if you plan to bake more batches later.
When reheating your cookies, simply preheat your oven to 350°F and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain their soft and chewy texture, unlike microwaving, which can make them rubbery and disappointing. If you prefer eating them cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat; they are delicious straight from the fridge!
Pro tip: To batch cook these delightful cookies for meal prep throughout the week, consider doubling the recipe on Sunday. Portion them into individual containers so family members can grab their favorites easily. For added variety, swap out the cherries with dried cranberries or chocolate chips and experiment with different extracts—vanilla or coconut can give a fun twist! To keep your cookies at their best during storage, remember to layer them with parchment paper if stacking in a container to avoid squishing.
Conclusion
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies have become a regular in my baking rotation, as I make them at least twice a month because they’re deliciously soft and chewy with 120 calories per cookie. The almond extract really elevates the flavor, making these cookies stand out compared to typical sugar cookies. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation treat in your house too.
Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped cherries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
